DESCRIPTIONIn Air Power, students learn about the power of air. Students also learn that wind can push sails to make boats and cars move and that air can be compressed and used to do work. Air can make waves.

3-week unit

OVERVIEW

Introduce students to experimenting with variables and finding velocity with this unit on air-powered rockets. In the first section, students build simple straw rockets and test how different rocket lengths and launch angles affect flight. Students record the resulting data and use it to calculate velocity. In the second part, the class turns to rockets launched by the powerful AP Launcher. These tube rockets are ideal for outdoor or gymnasium launches that help students explore fin placement and design their own rockets. Finally, they build and launch rocket-boosted gliders.

SAMPLE ACTIVITY

The Varying Launch Angles activity delves into the effect of launch angles on the flight of straw rockets. After building a basic rocket, students complete two launches at a given launch angle and repeat this process while increasing the angle in increments of 15 degrees. As they work, students measure and record each launch’s flight time and range. After completing the launches, the data collected is evaluated to learn about the connection between launch angle and rocket performance.

PRIMARY EQUIPMENT, MATERIALS, AND RESOURCES

Straw Rocket Launcher

AP Rocket Launcher

Tire pump

Various small supplies such as glue and tape

Assorted kits and materials

Straw Rockets Teacher’s Guide

Basic Rockets Course Guide

AP Rocket and Glider Video

Straw Rocket Video

Air Rockets Scope & Sequence

ADDITIONAL ITEMS NEEDED BUT NOT SUPPLIED

OVERVIEWIn Alternative Energy, students explore the basic concepts of energy as well as the law of conservation of energy. Information is presented about renewable and nonrenewable energy sources and how these resource types are important for meeting global energy demands. The advantages and disadvantages of alternative energy forms such as solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, and hydropower are presented. Hands-on experiences include experiments with a wind turbine, solar cells, and hydrogen fuel cells.

STUDENT OBJECTIVES

Learn the characteristics of renewable and nonrenewable energy resources.

Explore traditional and nontraditional, or alternative, forms of energy.

Gain an understanding of the scientific law of conservation of energy.

Learn about the use of wind energy and perform an efficiency experiment using a wind turbine.

Learn the important role the Sun plays in the production of energy on Earth.

Explore hydropower and geothermal power.

Complete a fermentation experiment to explore biomass energy.

Perform an experiment to simulate hydrogen fuel cell technology.

Evaluate various energy resources and draw conclusions based upon statistical data.

Animal Survival takes students on a journey to show them the amazing animals we have in our world. Students explore ways these animals manage to stay alive as they fight for survival in the wild world.

PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT

Name three animals that produce thousands of eggs.

Give three examples of evolution.

Name two ways animals adapt to temperatures.

Name the three classifications given to animals based on what they eat.

ACTIVITIES

Play a game to learn about evolution.

Watch a presentation and play a game to learn about ecosystems and animal adaptation.

Play a game to learn about competition for resources.

Learn about food chains and food webs.

Watch a presentation and play a game to learn about natural defenses and endangered species.

OVERVIEWIn Animals, students learn classification systems and the place of animals (including humans) within them. Students explore physical and lifestyle characteristics of invertebrates and vertebrates through hands-on activities. They compare organisms in terms of adaptations such as symmetry, movement, and organ systems. They explore the transition to land and temperature regulation. They are introduced to concepts of evolution and the fossil record.

STUDENT OBJECTIVES

Review the current three-domain, six-kingdom classification system.

Design and use a dichotomous key to classify organisms.

Explore the characteristics of eight invertebrate phyla.

Compare body symmetry, movement, and organ systems in various animals.

Learn the major characteristics of chordates and vertebrates.

Compare the characteristics of the five classes of vertebrates.

Consider some causes and effects of variation in the animal kingdom.

Relate structural and behavioral adaptations to natural selection and evolution.

Complete a fossil activity to illustrate the history of animal life on Earth.

OVERVIEW In Applied Physics, students learn about the wonderful forces of nature that they must control and learn to live with to make their lives more enjoyable. Using an air track, students learn about motion by calculating the velocity and acceleration of air track cars using a photogate timer. Students study data transmission using a laser. Students also learn about radio waves, light, and heat and do experiments using mathematics.

STUDENT OBJECTIVES

Define and calculate velocity and acceleration.

Explain the relationship between gravity and acceleration.

Define the relationships among frequency, pitch, amplitude, and loudness.

Experiment with different sound waves and list the steps necessary to hear sound.

Define hypothesis and make and test a hypothesis regarding heat transfer.

List the steps of the scientific method.

Differentiate between an insulator and a conductor.

Discover how light waves travel.

Explore various uses of lasers.

ACTIVITIES Students complete three performance assessments: 1) Heat Experiment – explain a hypothesis, list the steps of the scientific method, and set up and complete an experiment; 2) Light Filter Experiments – set up and conduct light experiments and verbalize how tinted sunglasses filter light; and 3) Laser Experiments – demonstrate the proper care and use of a laser and utilize one or more mirrors in the transfer of sound through a laser and photocell.

OVERVIEW In Aquaculture, students learn fish biology, care, and management by maintaining their own goldfish tank. After an introduction to the history of aquaculture, they conduct chemical tests of tank water, learn fish anatomy and metabolism, calculate fish growth and productivity, and maintain records of their activities. Along the way, they learn the processes involved in a large-scale aquaculture operation and consider environmental impacts of aquaculture.

STUDENT OBJECTIVES

Use a spreadsheet to practice record keeping for an aquaculture operation.

Conduct tests of tank water and learn appropriate levels for each chemical.